The Shepherd Pirates may be contesting with the Liberty Panthers for third place in district, but after winning their basketball game against the Coldspring-Oakhurst Trojans on Feb. 13 the team feels like it’s in first, defeating their opponents 64-56.

The Pirates led by a single point at the end of the first period, 12-11. The Trojans fought hard in the second period to get ahead, but a few shots from Trevor Moye, Tanar Castleman, Kameron Wright and Royce See gave the Pirates some distance, 31-23.

Their lead only continued to grow throughout the third period, but the Trojans kept up their pace and lessened the lead until See made two last-second free throws. The Pirates stayed in the lead, 44-36.

The Trojans pushed the Pirates hard in the fourth period as Anthony Richard delivered a three-point shot and a trio of free throws to the score with 20 seconds left in the game and six points needed for a victory.

However, a free throw from Wright gave the Pirates a little distance, followed by a gym-shattering slam dunk from Terrance Robinson to end the game. The Pirates won, 64-56.

For the Pirates, Wright scored two two-point shots, one three-point shot and three free throws in six attempts. Castleman made three two-point shots, two three-point shots and six free throws in eight attempts. See scored one two-point shot, one three-point shot and 10 free throws in 13 attempts.

Nick Truelove scored one two-point shot. Moye made one three-point shot and one free throw in two attempts. Robinson scored six two-point shots. Jonathan Marshall made three free throws in six attempts.

Coach Jeremy Bennett expressed his enthusiasm for his team’s victory, noting that at that moment, the Pirates were on top.

“I feel like we’re the top team,” he said. “We came out with the right intensity. We knew we were the better team.”

The Pirates are expected to face the Liberty Panthers once again, whom they are currently battling for third place.

“If we beat Liberty, we’ve got third place for sure,” said Bennett.

For the Trojans, Richard scored one three-point shot and seven free throws in eight attempts. Trey Cole scored four two-point shots, three three-point shots and three free throws in five attempts. Ed Hayes scored two two-point shots.

Red Gilbert scored five two-point shots and five free throws in eight attempts. Jake Monroe scored two two-point shots and three free throws in six attempts.

Coach Greg Devers admits the defeat gives the Pirates the upper hand in the playoffs.

“Shepherd needed a win to get in third place and have an advantage over Liberty,” he said.

The Trojans are still contesting with the Huffman Falcons for first place in the district season. Their next game is against the Tarkington Longhorns, who Devers says are likely going to put up a fight.